LibGuides: Bureau of Library Development: Policies

Policies

Definition
Guidelines

Governor's Advisory Council on Library Development

The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) on Library Development is established by the Public Library Code (24 PA.C.S. Education § 9312.). It has twelve members who are appointed by the Governor.

The GAC’s duties include advising and making recommendations to the Governor, the Secretary of Education, and the Deputy Secretary for Libraries regarding the State Library of Pennsylvania’s policies and operations as well as Pennsylvania’s system of aid to libraries.

Regular meetings are open to the public.

For more information about the GAC’s responsibilities refer to the Public Library Code (24 PA.C.S. Education § 9312.)

Guidelines from the Governor’s Advisory Council

Guidelines for Hours Open Standard 2010 (Currently under review)
- Detailed information on library closures and the procedure for requesting permission for extended closures.
  - Link to the closure form?
Guidelines for Statewide Library Card System (2019)
- Provides specific direction on what PA residents are eligible for and requirements for the state aided libraries in the program.
Continuing Education Guidelines for Public Library Staff (2021)
- Offers definitions on the specifics of the Statute (Title 24PA CSA 9334 (c)(5) and Title 24 PA CSA 9335 (b)(4)) – qualifying staff, qualifying education, approval process, support and documentation, and expected outcomes.
Guidelines for the Distribution of State Aid by PA Public Library Systems (2010)
Guidelines for Negotiating Agreements for District Library Center Services (2017)
- Provides guidelines for setting the negotiation team, the responsibility of the District Library Center, responsibility of the member libraries, content of the agreement, process, and failure to perform.
Guidelines for Library Services for Older Pennsylvanians (2012)
- Provides a checklist for librarians to use in planning services for older adults and a structure to evaluate the performance of library services to older adults.
Guidelines for Pennsylvania School Library Programs (2019)
- Provides indicators of an effective school library program and expands on them to provide goals, guidelines, and resources for school library programs.
Guidelines for Youth Services in PA’s Public Libraries (2009) link - link no longer works, goes to wrong page
- This tool provides a description of library staff capable of providing excellent library services to youth from birth through age 18, and is a tool for the staff providing the service and the administrators supervising the service
Interlibrary Loan Guidelines (2019)
- Offers guidance for the exchange of materials between libraries participating in the Interlibrary Loan process.
Interlibrary Loan Procedures Manual (2011)
- To be used in conjunction with the Interlibrary Loan Manual, this provides a standardized interlibrary loan process for all participants to follow.

Office of Commonwealth Libraries Policies, Processes, and Procedures

While these vary widely, they may include interpretations of requirements in the statutes and regulations that are in conflict with each other, and specific guidelines on completing state reports.
District consultants should take time to read communications from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and be ready to provide guidance and advise libraries within their district.
Waivers:
- Policies from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries also include guidance on the specific process of applying for waivers of standards for public library service.
- While the actual details of the process to apply may change from year to year, district consultants should work with their libraries to ensure that:
1. Library boards are aware of where libraries are currently not in compliance with standards.
2. That the library has a plan to bring their library back into compliance.
- Provides guidelines for system boards to execute their responsibility for the distribution of state aid to their member libraries. Where does this belong?